BI-AX Film Aids in Ebola Fight
- Published: December 02, 2014
TIVERTON, ON, CANADA | BI-AX International reports that the Ebola outbreak has created unprecedented demand for protective garments using APTRA, described by general manager Tom Inglis as a “breathable, microporous plastic film that resists both contact, droplet, and airborne transmission of pathogens.” 
One of APTRA’s customers is Kappler, Guntersville, AL, a manufacturer of protective garments including ProVent 10,000 coveralls, gowns, lab coats, and boots for healthcare workers. Dennis Sanders, VP of sales and marketing for Kappler, says that the Ebola outbreak has resulted in “orders over two days that surpass two years worth of past orders for our ProVent 10,000 healthcare garments made with APTRA.”
Kappler’s products also include a line of industrial, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and security garments where there is zero margin for error in work environments for risks such as chemical contamination. “The medical side of our business has just exploded and we are now switching assembly lines over to ProVent 10,000 to keep up with demand,” says Sanders.
According to Kappler, APTRA film is a barrier to blood and body fluids that contain viruses or pathogens based on the ASTM F-1671 test method, and blood resistance to the ASTM F-1670 test method.
BI-AX produces the APTRA microporous film used by Kappler under contract for RKW Danafilms, Frankenthal, Germany, a wholly owned subsidiary of The RKW Group.
RKW’s German Sector manager Robert Voggenauer says APTRA film is also rip- and tear-resistant in hurricane-force winds, while sufficiently porous to provide breathability and comfort for healthcare workers who may be working in hot climate conditions.
He says APTRA also offers a green advantage. “In the case of mass-produced healthcare garments, APTRA is 100 percent non-poisonous—so if it is incinerated after use, the only outputs are carbon and water. In cases where it is used in a non-contaminated environment, it is also 100 percent recyclable.”
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
